The Yukon government wants public feedback on its plans to update legislation to better reflect how people name themselves, the use of the First Nations alphabet, and non-biological parentage.

The “Inclusive Yukon Families” public engagement runs until March 15. It was announced by news release last Thursday.

“We recognize that the current legislation addressing parentage and naming options available to Yukoners would benefit from modernization,” said Health and Social Services Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee.

Public feedback can be provided through an online survey or an in-person interview. The survey is at https://yukon.ca/inclusive-families. Interviews are intended for people with lived experience.

Under scrutiny are the Children’s Law Act, the Change of Name Act and the Vital Statistics Act.

The government says current naming rules are inconsistent with First Nations’ efforts to revitalize the use of Indigenous languages and cultural practices as they allow only the Roman alphabet to be used and require both a first name and family name.

The parenthood rules use outdated language with respect to gender and sex and do not accommodate families who have relied on surrogacy.

The Yukon Party says it’s important for the government to provide an opportunity for respectful feedback and dialogue, and encourages Yukoners to participate.

“For now, we wait for the results of the public consultation,” the official Opposition said in an email today.

The government says the proposed changes are consistent with its goal of ending discrimination against 2SLGBTQIA+ people and with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations regarding parentage and naming options.

People interested in learning how to use the fonts for First Nation languages here should go to the Yukon Native Language Centre website at https://ynlc.ca/fonts-keyboards.